When you suffer from dental decay, your dentist would probably recommend getting a filling to ward off infection and restore your tooth function. There are several types of materials used for dental restorations, but the most common type is tooth-colored fillings, popularly known as composite fillings. 

Wichita Falls cosmetic dentist and their team provide state-of-the-art composite filling that is a game changer dental restoration offering durability, improved functionality, with superior aesthetics. 

What are composite fillings?

Composite fillings are tooth-colored dental restorations that can effectively eliminate the infected tissue from the tooth surface, and restore it with a superior quality material. This composite material can be customized to match the shade of your tooth, so they are almost unnoticeable. 

Composite filling is a mixture of plastic (acrylic) resin that is reinforced with a powdered glass filler. 

When are composite fillings used?

Dentists often recommend composite fillings to correct the following dental problems: 

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Diastema (space or gaps in between your teeth)
• Dental decay in the anterior teeth or in the teeth that are visible along your smile line
• The interdental areas (due to caries developing in the space between your teeth)

Do composite fillings offer any benefits when compared to conventional restorations? 

Currently, composite fillings are increasingly popular when compared to other conventional restorations due to the following benefits:

• Provide good durability
• Appear naturally since they are tooth-colored and blend easily
• Provide excellent fracture resistance
• Are cost-effective 
• Facilitates quick procedure 
• Can fix minor flaws to major damage
• Require minimal maintenance 

What is the procedure involved for composite fillings? 

The process of getting composite fillings is simple and usually requires a single visit. The procedure is as follows:

• Your dentist will first select an appropriate shade that matches your natural teeth before your teeth dry out.
• You may receive a local anesthetic shot to ease pain and discomfort.
• Next, your dentist will use ultrasonic instruments to excavate the decayed tissues from the affected tooth.
• The area will be cleaned and dried to prepare it for restoration.
• The tooth surface will be etched to enable a good bond. 
• The dentist will begin layering the composite material into the tooth, followed by curing it with a light to set it. 
• The dentist will then shape and contour the tooth, then polish it.

Takeaway

A composite filling can effectively satisfy your desire for a filling that looks aesthetically superior and doesn’t detract from your smile. Additionally, it may prevent further tooth decay from weakening your tooth.